Netherlands > A weekend in Zwolle

Due to heavy traffic, we only arrive in Zwolle around half past five. Nicolette and I are spending a weekend in the Hanseatic city. Zwolle was granted city rights in 1230, which gave an important boost to its development as a trading city. The city grew into a thriving commercial center along the Overijsselse Vecht river and became a member of the Hanseatic League, a coalition of trading cities in Northwestern Europe. We are staying at the Campanile hotel just outside the city canal. We receive a warm welcome and can park our car behind the hotel. The weather is still nice, and the last rays of sunlight shine over the city. At a terrace by Stadscafé Blij, we order a beer. All terraces around the Grote Markt are practically full. The Stadscafé also seems like a nice place to eat tonight, but only indoors. All tables are reserved. We will have to look for another restaurant. While still sitting on the terrace, we make an online reservation at restaurant Humphrey’s. This restaurant is a bit further along the Melkmarkt. When we enter shortly after, it turns out the concept is a three-course dinner for a fixed price. Ordering just a main course is also possible, but we choose the menu. With carpaccio as a starter and sole as the main course, we enjoy our meal. I finish with a warm, crispy cinnamon roll. Outside it is now dark. We walk back to our hotel along the Thorbeckegracht.

Netherlands - The Wijndragerstoren is beautifully lit in the evening